Rother self-build housing register launched

Rother District Council’s self-build and custom housebuilding register is open to individuals or associations interested in building their own home, either themselves or by employing a contractor.

The register is designed to help the council gauge the level of interest for this type of development as well as increasing the likelihood of being able to find a suitable site.

Cabinet member for strategic planning Gillian Johnson said the register can benefit the council and would-be developers.

“By signing up to the register, people can help us find out more about the number and location of self-build and custom build plots required and the types of property people would like to construct or have built for them,” she said.

“Self-build homes can be cheaper, greener and more innovatively-designed than standard market housing and can offer a real alternative to buying ‘off the peg’ houses that may not meet a household’s needs.

“This sector makes up a large part of housing supply in continental European countries such as Germany and Holland and the register will be the foundation for the council to help realise the potential for it to grow locally.”

Although signing up to the register does not guarantee a plot will become available, it should increase the opportunities of being able to acquire a suitable site, plus allowing the council to develop planning policies to bring forward plots of land to meet likely demand.

People interested in building their own home can register their interest or find more information online at www.rother.gov.uk/selfbuildregister.

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